The federal watchdog granted Enbridge (TSX:ENB) "leave to open" its Line 9B pipeline between southern Ontario and Quebec on Thursday.
But before operations can begin, Enbridge must do hydrostatic testing along three densely populated segments — near Hilton, Ont.; Kingston and Brockville, Ont., and Mirabel, Que.
The tests involve filling the pipe with water at much higher than its usual operating pressure to ensure the pipe is strong enough and won't burst.
The results must be provided to and approved by the NEB.
It's the latest delay for a pipeline Enbridge had been aiming to start up last fall.
The original Line 9 has been in the ground for around four decades, but Enbridge has reconfigured it to ship greater volumes and flow crude eastward rather than westward. That way, Quebec refineries can have access to domestic crude, rather than having to rely on imports.
NEB vice-chair Lyne Mercier said hydrostatic testing isn't normally required on existing pipelines.
"But given the fact that this pipeline is situated in a urban area and that if there would be a leak, it would be affecting lots of people, we wanted to have an additional degree of confidence," she said.
Mercier said she doesn't know how long it will take to do the tests, but "it might be a question of a few days to a few weeks."
The NEB has also imposed more conditions on the project once it starts up, such as biweekly ground patrols and quarterly integrity testing during the first two years of operation.
Enbridge is figuring out its next steps, said spokesman Graham White.
"Enbridge is reviewing this and the other conditions outlined in the decision to determine what is required for compliance, scope of work and timelines," he said in an emailed statement.
"Although conditions must be met before the pipeline can be operated, the granting of the Leave to Open is an acknowledgment of the thorough, detailed engineering analysis and real actions on safety and integrity that Enbridge has invested in this project over the past three years."
Last October, as work on the pipeline was wrapping up, the regulator raised concerns about the placement of shut-off valves in relation to water crossings. In February, the board said it was satisfied with Enbridge's approach.
Two Quebec refiners eager to have western crude shipped their way — Suncor (TSX:SU) and Valero — have recently written to the NEB asking why the line has not yet been allowed to start up.
"We take the time that's necessary to do the proper analysis, ask the good questions and get the result that we want before we allow the pipeline to go on," said Mercier.
Adam Scott, with Environmental Defence, said the NEB's requirements are a "step in the right direction," but fall short.
"The entire pipeline is the same age and the same design. The National Energy Board should require hydrostatic testing along the entire route of this 40-year old pipe to ensure the safety of all of waterways and communities along the line. And the results of this testing should be made public."
Original Article
Source: huffingtonpost.ca/
Author: Lauren Krugel
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